Gynecologists are great at keeping women informed about their health. However, in the senior years, there are certain concerns women should be willing to ask about during their scheduled visits. Here are five questions every elderly woman should ask her gynecologist.
1. Is Urinary Leakage Normal?
Incontinence can occur at any age, but a woman’s risk increases as she gets older. However, many older women simply accept leakage as normal and manage it in silence. Opening up to a gynecologist can sometimes reveal a treatable physical cause for incontinence or at least help the doctor find a solution for managing the symptoms.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional senior home care. Lincoln families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place.
2. How Can I Make Sex More Comfortable?
Post-retirement, women often experience a resurgence in their sexual relationships because they have more time for romance. However, menopause may cause sex to feel different than before. Gynecologists can provide recommendations for ways to increase the enjoyment of sex, such as using personal lubricants to ease dryness.
3. Are New Treatments Available for My Condition?
Scientific research is constantly turning up new ways to treat long-term conditions, and senior women need to update their treatment schedules to stay current. From easing menopausal symptoms to reducing herpes outbreaks, a woman’s gynecologist may have overlooked a new type of treatment because he or she thought the current one was working. Asking about the possibility of a new method ensures women don’t miss out on something that could work better.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of homecare families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
4. Am I Missing Important Screenings?
Screenings are essential for promoting long-term health. Gynecologists are quick to recommend additional health treatments like flu shots and bone density scans, and they may also notice other health conditions, such as an irregularly shaped mole, that require further examination by a different doctor.
5. Am I Taking the Right Preventive Measures?
Women can practice many types of preventative care at home, but these measures must be performed correctly to get the most benefits. For example, a doctor can observe a woman performing a self-exam for breast cancer to make sure she doesn’t miss a critical step. By working with their doctors, senior women can be proactive about learning how to recognize the early symptoms of an illness before it gets serious.
Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs live-in care, Lincoln, CA, Home Care Assistance can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home. To create a customized in-home care plan for your loved one, call us at (916) 226-3737.